Avenged Sevenfold guitarist Zacky Vengeance isn’t backing away from artificial intelligence. Following criticism over the alleged use of AI-generated artwork for the band’s latest annual Misfits cover, Vengeance has taken to social media to make his position on the technology abundantly clear: he fully embraces it.
Avenged Sevenfold have maintained a yearly tradition of recording covers of songs by horror punk veterans The Misfits, with this year’s contribution being their rendition of “Horror Business.” The track was released through the band’s Deathbats Club, with plans apparently underway to compile their various Misfits covers in time for Halloween.
However, the artwork accompanying this year’s release has drawn criticism over allegations that AI was used in its creation.
Addressing the backlash on social media, Vengeance offered an extensive defense of artificial intelligence, explaining that while he appreciates traditional artwork and the people behind it, he believes the technology represents the future. He also took aim at what he considers complacency among some of the designers he has worked with throughout his career.
I actually fully embrace AI. While I love physical art and the talented people who create it (myself being one of them) I also think the majority of designers I have worked with over the past 20 years are lazy and allowed themselves to be replaced due to complacency and greed. I prefer my prompts and the collective hive mind and efficiency of the future. Just my opinion but I embrace it. Also it will absolutely kill us all.
Every major technological advancement has been met with fear and resistance. AI is no different. It’s not the death of creativity or human ingenuity; it’s an expansion of what’s possible. The problem isn’t the technology itself, but how people choose to use it. Rejecting AI won’t stop progress. Learning to harness it responsibly will help shape the future – this message was made using AI. Goodnight
Vengeance subsequently continued the discussion in response to other users, pushing back against the suggestion that his position means he doesn’t appreciate or financially support traditional artists. He specifically mentioned purchasing artwork from an artist named Eddie, whom he praised for his talent.
He also addressed the suggestion that AI could replace artists with whom he has personal and professional relationships, naming Wes, Cam and Micah as individuals whose work and friendships he deeply values.
You are correct it cannot replace artists like Wes, Cam and Micah who I deeply value and have shared long running friendship with. It can however replace anyone replaceable.
The Avenged Sevenfold guitarist wasn’t finished weighing in, either. Returning to the discussion on the morning of October 29, Vengeance took another shot at AI critics, questioning the apparent contradiction of opposing the technology while continuing to use digital platforms and services that incorporate it.
Screaming “Fuck AI” while consenting to terms and services giving away all your personal data to be used by AI that provides you an algorithm created by AI which then shares it to other like minded individuals via AI so they can scream “Fuck AI”.
Vengeance’s comments add another outspoken voice to the ongoing debate surrounding artificial intelligence and its growing influence on the music and visual arts industries. For now, he appears firmly convinced that embracing the technology is preferable to resisting its continued development.
If you’re rocking with The Mosh Network, hit the link and add us as a Preferred Source on Google. That’s the easiest way to keep our latest metal, hardcore, and alternative news, tours, and releases showing up directly in your feed.
